YouTuber Steals Genshin Impact Music, Copyright Strikes Original Creator Yu-Peng Also Affected

In an almost comical turn of events, a Hoyoverse soundtrack was copyrighted by a YouTuber and the report was actually granted. This led to Yu-Peng Chen’s music video titled, ‘Slight Distress’ to be taken down. The kicker? The YouTuber used the track from Yu-Peng’s own channel. Yep, that’s right. YouTube just copyright claimed the composer himself. What’s next? Some XYZ singer copyrighting Mozart?

All jokes aside, the YouTuber in question - Roshi, didn’t just pull Hoyoverse into this madness. No, he reportedly copyright struck every other person using the music too, under the label UMG. Let’s get into it.

YouTube’s Copyright System

YouTube’s infamous copyright system is well known, while some would say it’s for the wrong reasons, others bear the brunt of unwarranted DMCA strikes — which have been known to be abused by streamers, as well, to control any negative backlash. But, copy striking a multi billion company is definitely a new and bold choice. 

Especially when that company puts this music out for free use. YouTube follows a ‘strike first and verify later’ policy due to the backlog of videos waiting for them, as they’re legally required to do something about it under DMCA regulations — bringing us to another question.

While it’s a headache, it’s unlikely that Hoyoverse will sue YouTube over the DMCA strike. They’re more likely to focus their intentions on Roshi. After all, he sampled the music and used it as a backtrack for his rap and then falsely used it to strike not only the original creator but others as well

The Other Genshin Impact Creators Affected By DMCA

Yea, if you get 3 strikes within 90 days, your YouTube channel will be banned. Of course you can appeal but it takes time and time is money… especially for a YouTuber. 

Has The YouTube Video ‘Slight Distress’ Come Back?

While the video was taken down previously due to the strike, it has come back on the channel. Despite the good news, it has raised concerns for viewers wondering if Hoyoverse will retract their free to use pieces to avoid a similar situation in the future. What do you think, should YouTube reflect their Copyright system — especially when it can be abused so easily?

Written By: Sarah Dar (Freelancer, IndiaTodayGaming)